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How do I enter the competition?

First, you'll be prompted to join LensCulture for a free account to upload your files (or you can just sign in if you have an existing LensCulture account). Then follow the simple instructions to upload your images and to provide all the proper information for each.

What are the photo specifications for uploading?

For best results, upload the highest-quality JPEGs, sized a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side but up to 2000 pixels is even better. Maximum size is 10Mb. The file name should be under 50 characters.

How do I add photo captions or titles?

Click the area designed for Photo title and add title there. It will be auto-saved when you finish typing.

I can't login to my account.

Go to https://www.lensculture.com/forgot_password and enter the email address you think you signed up with. We'll send you a password reset link.

What forms of payment do you accept? Do you accept PayPal?

You can pay for your entry with PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express

Can I replace or re-arrange my photos after I've submitted them?

Yes! You can now edit your entire submission up to the deadline. This means you can replace or remove images, rearrange images, edit the photo captions (titles), entry description, and your submission statement.

Can I submit diptychs as one image or 2?

You can submit diptychs as one image.

I would like to submit two series of photographs, can I upload both series into one submission or do I need to make two submissions?

Ideally, each series is in a separate submission so you can write a description for each one. However, we understand this would be twice the submission cost, so you can put both series into one submission. Please make sure you explain this is two series in the description.

We are two photographers working as a team, can we make one submission?

Yes but please provide background info on both of you in the bio so we know it's a team.

How many times can I enter?

You can submit as many times as you like — assuming you have lots of great images and you can afford to pay the entry fees for all of them. We suggest, however, that you edit your photos wisely and send us only your very best.

If I live outside the United States, am I still eligible for this competition?

Definitely! Our competitions are truly global, drawing submissions from over 100 countries.

What is the best way to submit my entries, digital or print?

Digital. The jury will review each of the photos on screen only. We cannot accept photos as prints or CDs in the mail.

Are there restrictions on when a photo was taken for a competition?

No, there are no time-based restrictions concerning when a photo was taken.

Can you explain the usage rights issues if I enter a competition?

I hereby authorize LensCulture to display, print, and distribute in any manner any photographs that I have entered in this competition to conduct and promote the LensCulture Awards competitions. Each photographer retains copyright of his or her images and proper credit lines will be attributed to each photographer when used in any publicity of LensCulture.

I submitted my work to the competition, why don't I see it in the Competition Gallery or on LensCulture's Facebook page?

Every day, our editors look at competition submissions and select some for inclusion in our Competition Gallery and social media channels. These are curated selections, meaning only a small selection of photos entered are featured. These selections are not related to the final judging by our international jury. If you do not see your photos featured, please do not worry—the judging for the competition will not start until after the deadline.

Finally, a few more points:

• Even if you do not end up winning an award, we invite a number of the top-rated photographers to have a free, invitation-only portfolio account where you can upload as many projects as you wish.
• Our mission is to provide exposure to talented photographers that can connect them to valuable opportunities. The Editor's Picks program during the competition is just one more way we try to accomplish our mission. That said, we also are strong believers in curation. We can't show every single entrant. Strong curation is a key reason why LensCulture is one of the top web sites for contemporary photography.

If an entry is featured in the Competition Gallery or on Facebook, does it have any effect on the final judging?

No. Every day, our editors look at competition submission and select some for inclusion in our Competition Gallery and social media channels. The judging begins after the competitions ends and is independent of these editorial selections.

How do I know my work will look good on your jury's computer screens?

Our editors are accustomed to evaluating photography via computer monitors. This is quickly becoming standard practice for more and more juried competitions and reviews. If your scans are good quality, we will easily be able to imagine the actual work from the image on the computer screen.

Can I get an extension on the deadline?

At this time, we are not offering any extensions. The deadline is FINAL.

I just started taking photos. Do I have a chance of winning?

Of course! We welcome applications from professionals, semi-professionals, amateurs and total beginners. We believe there is an artist in each of us. And we are interested in all kinds of photography — from sophisticated to quirky to wildly experimental to hard-edged realism.

When are the prizes awarded, and when do the winners get featured in LensCulture?

The judging will be completed approximately four weeks after the competition deadline and winners will be announced shortly thereafter.

If my entry is accepted, what will you use for reproduction?

If your work is accepted we will request necessary reproduction materials at that time.

If I am not a winner, will I receive feedback and suggestions on my work?

Due to the large number of entries, it is not possible to provide personalized feedback for every entrant.

Can I get a refund?

No, entry fees are non-refundable.

This all sounds too easy. Where's the fine print?

It really is that easy! You can find the competition rules link next to this FAQ link. Here are some, but not all, of the basic rules that you agree to:

• By submitting these photographs to LensCulture, I authorize that these are original works of art that I personally created.
• I am releasing LensCulture and its agents, principals, employees or contractors from any liability regarding the display of work that I have submitted to them, including any liability for redisplay by individuals making copies of the display made by LensCulture.
• By agreeing to this release, I authorize that I am 18 years of age or older.
• I hereby authorize LensCulture to display, print, and distribute in any manner any photographs that I have entered in this competition to conduct and promote the LensCulture's competitions. Each photographer retains copyright of his or her images, and proper credit lines will be attributed to each photographer when used in any publicity of LensCulture

Can I get an invoice for my competition entry fees?

Once your entry is submitted, we automatically email you a confirmation invoice indicating payment details, including the competition you entered, the category, the amount you paid and how you paid it (credit card or Paypal). This is the invoice, it's consistent with how other online purchases send order confirmations.

If I have more questions, how do I contact you?

For technical questions related to uploading your photos, sizes, entry forms and credit card payments, use the support button at the upper right of the Awards page. If you can't find the answers to your other questions here or at the upload site, you can email us at [email protected]